Firearm



H. D. ALLYN Feb, 17, 1959 FIREARM 4 Sheets-Sheet l Filed June 25, 1957 D. ALLYN Feb; 17, 1959 FIREARM 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 25, 1957 INVENTOR. /%;2

Feb. 17, 1959 Filed June 25, 1957 H. D. ALLYN FIREARM Y 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 H. D. ALLYN Feb. 17, 1959 FIREARM Filed June 25, 1.957

Q N \N W; w 7 A 1H M r v 3 K 7 V y Wm NW A B Y j Q & i. if 2 J7 AQ/fl/ Harold'l). Allyn, Springfield, Mass. Application .June 25, 1957,'"Serial No.i667,-892

"8 Claims. (Cl. 42-25) My invention relates to new.and useful improvements in atfirearm and isdirectedparticularly to a new and improved Jcartridgerim retaining-mechanism anda means of cartridge ejection.

.The concept of" thefirearm hereof'has'been made with attendant manufacturing problems being kept fully invIt is. a specific object of thisjnvention to provide a unitary, single-piece, rim :retainer havingaascapacity for supporting the under side of the rim of a shell orcartridge asqsame is loaded into or extracted from the chamber of a side-loading, bottom-ejecting firearm.

ingfortheireceipt therein of thexplunger-type ejector'and I also eliminate the necessity'of slotting thelocking lug, bothzof which operations serve to weakentherespective components. I

.The ejector hereof is located inthe top part of the receiver, and the cartridge or shell ejected through the bottom part of the firearm. 'It will beappreciated however that the-location of such features is not to be construed as being necessarily so restricted. That is, the spiritof this invention is to 'be construedas alsoincluding a means of ejection which may be from the side or top of'theifirearm.

.It is also to be emphasized that, whereas the ejector hereof is shown as .beiug particularly operative in a firearmhaving rim cuts in the front face of the breech bolt, such feature is not particularly necessary for the proper functioning of the ejector component. That is, it maybe used on a firearm having the conventional type of extractor.

The ejector hereof is preferably made of steel spring wire of a convenient size, according to the size of the sheli It is another objecthereof to provide a rim retainer which: provides its. own spring: tensioningfunctions and its own attaching means,-and whichis of. simple design and construction so as to be easily made from spring wire or equivalent material. Being so'designed, it is capable of being retained relative to the .other :cornponents 1 without the use of additional screws, .pins 101 like parts.

Another object is',to:provide a:rimtretainer-which, in

addition to providing a support for:the cartridge, provides a backingv for the extractor cooperating therewith during .certain'movements of' the firing :cycle. The rim retainer isofsuch'configuration as toenable the. rim of the .cartridgeto the easily cleared of theisame at the :proper'; predetermined moment :andzto. aid inatheprevem' tion of undesired sidewise motion of the cartridgeduring the loading and/or, extractingperiodsgof the firing cycle.

2, It: is still 1 another specific object hereof 1 to provide, an

or cartridge being ejected, although it will further beunderstood that it may be made of any other suitable or equivalent material.

Theabove and various other objects of this invention will appear in the following description and appended claims,-reference ,beinghad to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

These objects will become apparent as the description proceeds, and the features of novelty which characterize the invention willbe pointedout with particularity in-t'ne claims :annexed to and forming part hereof.

It will be appreciated that the utility and applicationof the construction hereof extend beyond-anyone particular kind of firearm and comprehend such new and useful features as.may ;be incorporated'in any other reasonably appropriate type of firearm.

Further, the invention'hereof maybe embodied in specific forms other than herein illustrated anddisclosed, all

without departing from the essential characteristics hereof.

Accordingly, limitation of this invention should bemade improved andesimplified one-piece ejector which. provides its own spring tension, obviates the necessityofcomplementingpins and/or screws or the like, eliminates the need for. pressing or. welding orbrazing or thelike-prepa- .ratory to its. installation, and is capable ofoperation without the conventional cuts or slots in the locking-lug breech bolt face. i

As is welhknown, ejectors normally include a substantially stationary member in 8.}510! in athe face of the breech bolt thereby presenting a, surface capable got-striking thev rear :end of the :shell and. causing same to be --ejectedzfrom thefirearm as theebreechblock is moved (I eliminate,;by; means hereof; thenecessity ofmachining .the "face o he breech bolcwhh theeonventionalzope only as determined by a proper interpretationof the terms used in the subjoined claims.

Theinvention resides in theparticular arrangement, construction and relationship of the various elementsof the ifirearm I as disclosed in the accompanying specification in which the above-and other objects ofthe invention will be-apparent. a

Inthe drawings:

Fig.1 is a PflISPECilVC'rVlWQf a simplified .versionofa breech block showing a rim retainer associated theliewith for purposes of illustratingcertain fundamental principles of my invention; I

Fig. .2 is a partial longitudinal sectional view; showing the rim retainer associated with a breech blockdisposed in a rearward position relative to the receiver,; the rim retainer being in aposition a ma e: l a

F g. 3 is a partial longitudinal sectional View showing the rimretainer in its,-downward position, the breech to the receiver,

showing .the rim retainer andfiringxpinin placerelative "thereto;

:Fig.1.7.jis a partial perspective view oftheiforwardcxtremit'y ":Of: the .rim :retainerein association' with themes:-

.fWaldf extremity of 1 a cartridge;

to receive ;a, cartridge from aaraaee Fig. 8 is a sectional view on the line 8-8 of Fig. 6 showing a modified form of the configuration of the shell holding portion of the forward bend of the rim retainer;

Fig. 9 is a partial perspective View of the forward extremity of the breech block showing the forward bend of the rim retainer and a conventional extractor in association therewith;

Fig. 10 is a longitudinal side elevational view of the breech portion of the firearm of the invention;

Fig. 11 is a partial longitudinal side elevational view of the rear end of the barrel and the forward end of the receiver showing the forward extremity of the breech block in the closed position and the rim retainer in a downward cammed position by virtue of the camming action of the camming surface on the rear of the barrel;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view on the line 12-12 of Fig. 2 showing the retaining lug in the breech block;

Fig. 13 is a partial side elevational view of a firing pin and firing pin spring showing the relationship of the rim retainer thereto;

Fig. 14 is a sectional view on the line 1414 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of the breech portion of a firearm showing the ejector of the invention in association therewith, the breech block being in the closed position;

Fig. 16 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the firearm shown in Fig. 15 and showing a cartridge being withdrawn from the barrel chamber upon the rearward movement of the breech block;

Fig. 17 is a view, similar to Fig. 16, showing the rear of the locking lug of the breech block abutting the ejector, the shell being partially ejected from the firearm;

Fig. 18 is a view, similar to Fig. 15, showing the action of the firearm in the most rearward position thereof, the shell or cartridge having been ejected, with the i rim retainer in its normal position in relation to the breech block, and with the ejector in the normal rest position;

Fig. 19 is a partial bottom view of the ejector slot in the receiver;

Fig. 20 is a partial sectional view of a small portion of the receiver, with the ejector removed;

Fig. 21 is a bottom plan view of the ejector;

Fig. 22 is a rear end view of the ejector shown in Fig. 21;

Fig. 23 is a side elevational view of the ejector shown in Fig. 21;

Fig. 24 is a partial sectional view of a small portion of the receiver, with the ejector assembled in its slot in the receiver; and

Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the rear end of the barrel disassembled from the receiver.

In the drawings, I have shown a rifie to which the present invention can be applied to advantage although it will be understood that it can be applied with equal advantage to a shotgun or other type of firearm.

In the following description and claims, various details will be identified by specific names for convenience, which names are intended to be as generic in their appli cation as the art will permit.

Referring now to the drawings more in detail, I have shown in Figs. 10, 15, and 18, the general outline of the midsection or breech portion of a firearm which includes, among other components, the conventional stock 2, stock butt 3, fore-end cover 4, barrel 6, rear cap 8-, receiver 10, magazine 16, magazine catch 18, operating handle 20, trigger 21, safety 22, trigger guard 24, front bedding screw 26, rear guard screw 28, front bedding plate 30, butter plate 32, and stock plate 34.

In Fig. 10, I have shown the stock 2, receiver 10, trigger 21, and magazine 16, and in dashlines, I have shown an uppermost cartridge C in the magazine and a breech .block 99 in its rearward position and carrying a rim retainer 128, all for purposes of general orientation;

The receiver 10 is substantially round in cross section,

although not necessarily so, it conceivably being adapted to be rectangular or irregular in cross section, within the spirit hereof.

The bottom of the receiver 10 is cut away and the interior thereof is hollowed for the conventional reception of related components in the well known manner.

The operation of the fire control mechanism which includes the trigger 21, safety 22, connector 62, hammer 70, and sear is shown and described in my co-pending application, filed June 19, 1956 and bearing Serial Number 592,430.

Likewise, the operation and structure of the magazine 16 is described in my other co-pending application, Serial Number 667,924'fi1ed June 25, 1957.

The slide block 92 is centrally hung between a pair of spaced, parallel action bars 94, which bars are attached at their rearward ends to the slide block as by soldering, brazing or equivalent means.

The breech block is of a configuration and dimension complementary to the inside of the receiver 10 and is reciprocal relative thereto.

The slide block is suitably grooved, which grooves are accommodated in a T slot 102 in the receiver 10 whereby lateral and vertical movements are permitted with sulficient clearance being allowed to permit the slide block to reciprocate freely in and relative to the receiver 10.

In operation, the cartridge is fired and the firing cycle is initiated. After the bullet passes the gas vent opening in the barrel 6 (not shown), gas passes therefrom to the piston chamber so as to actuate the piston head all as is conventional and well known. After the inertia of the slide block assembly has been overcome, movement of said assembly rearwardly is brought about thereby.

The slide block assembly initially travels a short pretravel distance. In the present design, I havev provided for as much as 0.5" pre-travel. The pro-travel distance may be varied or controlled as desired. Said pre-travel offers the bullet an opportunity to leave the muzzle whereby the chamber pressure is sufiiciently reduced so as to facilitate easy extraction.

Following said pro-travel, the cam face 118 of the slide block 92 contacts the cam face 120 of the breech block 99 where it forces the locking lug 122 of the breech block 99 downwardly thereby causing the locking lug surface 124 of the breech block 99 to become disengaged from the mating locking surface 126 of the receiver 10.

The slide block assembly then travels rearwardly in the conventional manner by means of the force imparted to the front end of the piston by the gas resulting from the explosion of the cartridge.

During this period of rearward travel, the cartridge is ejected, by the ejector 127.

In Fig. 1, I have shown, in perspective and for. purposes of illustration only, the basic features or principles of a rim retainer. Same is a simplified version of a breech block showing a rim retainer associated therewith for purposes of illustrating certain fundamental principles of design.

Said rim retainer is generally designated by the numeral 200 and is shown in combination with a rectangular shaped breech block generally designated by the numeral 99'.

The rearmost extremity 202 of the rim retainer is a portion which is bent to extend transversely of the longitudinally extending axis of the rim retainer and to be receivable in an appropriately aligned opening extending into the breech block from one side thereof, asshown.

Said extremity or bend 202 is connected to one end of an elongated mid-section 204 of therim retainer,

- which is receivable in a tapered slot 206 in the side of the breech block, the slot being of greater height at its forward extremity than at its rearward'extremity so as to permit vertical flexing movements of the-mid-section 204 and of the forward transversely extending bend 208 of the rim retainerrelative to the'bend 202 and the e s'za eae threech block. 'Ihebendldflis connectedto said' midsection 2% by means-iof arr-offset 210, .as shown.

The-forward face 'of the breech block 99 .isslotted, as shown,to providearim cut,.-same-.being undercut to form a lip-212 providing a means for receiving the rim of a cartridge.

as being a right hand rirnrretainer, it will be appreciated that a left hand rim *retainer may-be used equally effectively with the magazine being-placed on the opposite 'side of the receiver.

Further by way of general orientation, it appears desirable to explain that, in a conventional firearm of the detachable box magazine type, the loaded magazine is .placed in the firearm through anopening in-the bottom of the receiver immediately rearwardly of thecham'oer.

lThe breech block is then-moved forwardly to load the weapon. It strips voif the uppermost-cartridge. in the magazineand pushessame forwardly. When the cartridge has moved forwardly sufficiently-to clear the maga-. "zine ears,the-rnagazine spring, whichsis exerting atension on the magazine follower, moves the cartridge-upwardly whereupon the rear or rim of the cartridge snaps up under the extractor .andthe rim support ofthe breech block. The spring tensionof the extractor or extractors hold the rear end or rim of the cartridge inplace in the breech block while the cartridge .is being loaded. It functions similarlywhile thebreech .block is reciprocating rearwardly and the cartridge is being extracted.

Likewise in the conventional firearm of the aforementioned type,-at ornear the'termination .of the rearward rnovement of the breech block, the .ejector throws the shell or cartridge from an opening in the top or-atthe side of the firearm. I In firearms of the type envisioned herein, where load- .ing is from the side thereof and ejection is from. thebottomthereof, it-is essential .that--a .support be provided underneath the rear ort rimof the. cartridge during the forward :loading and rearward-extractingmovements. -If the front end of the .breech holt isin-the formof a 1 locking lug -whichis raised. into a locking positionina corresponding slot in the top front of thereceiver immediately to the rear of the cham berga flexible support must be provided since therirn ofthe cartridge remains stationary vertically while the locking lug isforcedupwardly tolockthe piece. The invention hereofis .directed to that end.

.nndsection -and forward bend of vthe .rim retainer is facilitated.

Theforemost bend-2620f the rim retainer is disposed forwardly of .the forward face of the breech block.

As shown in Fig. -2, themid-section-ZSd isnested-at the top of the tapering slot-264-and the enlarged mouth of thetapered recess is generally indicated by the numeral 266.

It will be appreciated that, in Fig. 2, the rim-retainer, is in an uppermost. position insofar as the vertical'flexing motion thereof isjconcerned, same being held in such position by the spring tension provided by the mid-section 254 of the rim retainer and the snug fit of the loop portion 256 in the recess 263 in the breech block.

Such flexing motion ensues, it might be hereexplained, when the locking lug 122 of the:breech block $9 is urged upwardly into the receiver Iii by the camrning action of the slide block as it moves forwardly and in said movement is brought to bear upon the cam of the breech block whereby the locking lug is urged into the complementary locking lug cut in the uPperwaIl ofthe receiver 10, as defined by the locking surface :126 of the receiver 10, all to the end that the firearm is locked.

Such locked position is best shown in Fig. 3 wherein will be observed the locking lug 122 disposed in the locking lug cut in the receiver 16 and the breech bolt hit in its'most upward forward locked position relative to the barrel 6 which is threadedly engaged with the fore part of the receiver 1! Also shown in Figure 3, but not forming a part of this invention, is a fore end cover plate4 covering the top of the barrel 6. a

Further illustrated in Fig. 3 is the downward position of the forward end of the rim retainer 128,same resulting from an action'hereinafter to be. illustrated and described.

In Fig.-2, .the rim retainer oftheinventionisfillustrated in association with a breech. block- 99 and other related components anduis generally designated bythe :.numeral 128'.

Therim retainer 128 comprises a rearward transverse- 1y extending bend-252 (best shown inFigv 6).

Theelo'ngated mid-section 254: ofthe rimtretainer. has

. a rearward extremity 256 doublednpon itself and connectingat one end with the rearwardabendlfiz.

The. forward-Lend portion-258 .of-themid-section is.

offset: and a the outer free .end I thereofeconnects through another offset 260 to a forward transversely Jextending "bend 262 of the rim retainer.

The rearmost bend-252 is receivable in tan-appropriately aligned opening extending transverselyinto the .breech block-99 from one side thereof.

The doubled rearend-256ofthe -elongated mid-section thereof is :loosely: receivable ain aytapered recess .onslot 264. That is, the recess 264 is Wedge shaped- (:a'sshown) "Band. tapers outwardly'andidownwardly toward the-.fi'ont iend 1 thereof whereby Wertical flexing .-movement; ;of the ward bend 262 of the n'm retainer 128 Attention is additionally called to theshowing of a cartridge C in thechamber ofthe barrele with the forembracing .the lower portion of the rim of the cartridge.

Reference is now made to. Fig. 6 showing the rear bend 252 of the rim retainer disposed within the transverse opening through'thebreechblock 99. Saidbend252 functions as a retainer for thefir-ing pin receivable in a firing pin opening extending longitudinally through thebreech block. The .firingpin 1501s vprovided with a flattened inset 152cm itsupper peripheral surface, as shown, whereby the reciprocating movement of the firing pin is limited. A firing pin spring 153 encloses the firing pin in the well known manner.

The relationship of the rear bend 252 of the rim re tainer, thefiring pin 150, and-the firing pin spring 153 isshown in detail in Fig. :13. V

-When the breech block 99 is .disposed within thereceiver-10, the rimretainera1 28 isheld in place by the inner; side wall of the receiverlil as' the breech block .is in the closed or slocked position, all as may be observedby reference to Fig. 5.

' 1Whenthe breech block ismovedrearwardlya short distance, the forward end of the breech block passes the front portion of the magazine cut in thereceiver.

With the magazine 16 removed from the receiver and 'Withthe receiver cutawayat .themagazine cut, the inner side wallor the receiver no. longer .holds the rim retainer in position.

'Except when-thebreechublockisin its-most forward 7 position and the front end thereof is in its most upward position, the rim retainer is in the up position relativeto the breech tblo'ck andpin suchposition, the offset portion 258 .of the. mid-section 254 ofthe rim retaineris held underneath aretaining'lugz'itl cut inthe breech block.- -Thisl'feature may best be observed by referencetoFigsMZ -or..l:2. p a g As will be appreciated by. reference tolF-igs' riandi .theforward facerof thelbreechblock'fh is provided with a rim cut, same being undercut to form a lip as in the case of the form of breech block shown in Fig. 1. The rim cut is formed on a radius about the longitudinal center line of the breech block through substantially a quarter'circle having a substantially horizontal entrance and a substantially vertical outlet.

In Figs. 4 and 5, a detachable side loading box magazine 16 is also shown.

In Fig. 4, the rim of the uppermost cartridge C in the magazine projects into the receiver and is ready to be stripped from the magazine by the forward moving breech block and urged into the chamber of the firearm in the conventional manner.

In Fig. 4, the rim contact portion 262 of the rim retainer 128 is so disposed that it will exert an upward pressure upon the cartridge when the upper portion of the rim thereof is in the rim cut of the breech block 99 and the rim contact portion 262 is in the cannular of the shell.

As the breech block 99 is reciprocated forwardly, the face of the breech block contacts the extreme rear of the rim of the cartridge which protrudes the magazine in the well known manner.

Thereafter, the cartridge is moved forwardly with the breech block.

The rear portion of the cartridge C is retained in the magazine 16 by the magazine ear 330, as shown in Fig. 10, until the cartridge is moved suificiently forward to place the bullet portion thereof well into the firearm chamber.

At such time, the rear of the cartridge has cleared the magazine ear and the entire rear of the cartridge jumps outwardly toward the center of the receiver due to the tension of the magazine spring on the magazine follower.

-Thereupon the rim cannular of the cartridge contacts 5 the retaining hump 261 of the rim retainer 128.

The upward force of the magazine spring is sufficient to overcome the spring tension on the rim retainer 123 and the cannular of the cartridge slides over the retaining hump, the rear of the rim clearing the rim clearance bend 260 of the rim retainer.

With continued forward movement of the breech block, the rear of the rim of the cartridge moves beneath the rim cuts of the breech block.

Still further forward movement of the breech block finalizes the seating of the rear of the rim of the cartridge beneath the rim cuts of the breech block with the rim contact portion of the rim retainer in the cannular of the cartridge and holding the top of the cartridge against the uppermost portion of the rim cuts of the breech block.

In Fig. 7, I have illustrated the rim contact portion of the rim retainer 128 in the lower portion of the cartridge shell cannular, all other parts of the firearm having been removed for purposes of simplification.

The concave shape of the forward bend of the rim retainer 128, and the rim retainer hump 261, as best illustratedin Figs. 4 and 5, serves to hold the cartridge C from moving sidewise to the left (as viewed in said figures). .The rim cuts'prevent the cartridge from moving sidewise to the right.

When the breech block is fully closed, the locking lug portion 124 has moved up into the locking lug cut in the receiver 14) and the arm 254 of the rim retainer 128 flexes .as previously mentioned.

Upon discharge of the firearm, the breech block 99 is moved to the rear. I

As above described, it is necessary either to work a cartridge through the magazine or to place manually the cannular of the cartridge on the rim contact portion of.

the rim retainer while at the same time placingthe rim cannular in the rim cuts of the breech block 1n order to place a cartridge in the chamber and to lockthe breech block of the firearm. a V

If desired to place a cartridge in the chamber without 8 working same through the magazine or without placing it in the rim cuts of the breech block, an extractor 122 may befitted into the breech block 99 and the rim cuts may be eliminated (in part or in whole) or may be replaced by a rim support 123, as shown in Fig. 9, in which instance the rim contact portion 262 of the rim retainer 128 may be formed, as shown in Fig. 8, so that it will snap over the rim of the cartridge which is placed in the chamber prior to the closing of the breech block. It is to be here stressed that in any instance, the rim retainer does not replace the extractor.

Otherwise if desired, the lower side of the rear of the barrel 6 may be provided with a cam surface 7 which may function to cam the rim retainer 128 slightly downwardly so as to allow same tov clear the rim of a cartridge, as shown inFigs. 11, Hand 25, the surface 14 being used as a cartridge feed ramp for the point of the cartridge.

When the firearm is opened, the extractor pulls the cartridge from the chamber and the rim contact portion of the rim retainer sets in the cannular so as to prevent the rear of the cartridge from dropping from the extractor. The retaining hump 261 prevents the extractor from forcing the cartridge sidewise, the retaining hump 261 acting as a backing for the extractor.

In Fig. 15, the components are shown in the discharged position.

The slide block 92 includes an upwardly extending cam portion on the upper surface thereof which contacts a mating cam surface in the breech block mechanism so as to force same downwardly and to move it out of its closed position in the receiver, to unlock the firearm, and to allow the breech block to move rearwardly.

The hammer 70 is pivotally mounted on a hammer pivot pin 71 extending laterally between and supported by the spaced action bars 94 and slide block 92. The hammer is hung on its pivot within a slot in the midsection of the slide block disposed between the action bars and at the rear ends thereof.

The hammer 70 and sear 75 and their associated spring members are mounted in the slide block and are supported by means of a pair of suitably spaced action bars so as to permit their reciprocation with the breech bolt of the firearm during the conventional operation thereof.

The relative operations of the breech block 99, slide block 92 and action bars 94 are as shown and described in my copending application, Ser. No. 566,267, filed Feb. 17, 1956. Inasmuch as same does not form a part of this invention it will not be described herein in detail.

Generally, the hammer is held under the tension of and actuated bya generally U shaped hammer spring whichis of the mousetrap or torsion type.

Opposite side arm portions of the hammer'spring are looped centrally thereof, the loops passing around the hammer pivot pin on both sides of the hammer so that the hammer spring is mounted around the hammer pivot pin. The spaced opposite lower free ends of the hammer spring may be bent outwardly and bear upwardly against the slide block, as shown. A transversely extending mid section of the hammer spring bears upwardly against the rearmost face of the hammer, also as shown, all to the end that the upper portion of the hammer is swung upwardly and forwardly upon the hammer pivot. pin when the hammer is released.

The sear 75 is pivotally mounted on a sear pin which extends laterally through the slide block and between the spaced action bars on the opposite sides thereof and functions to hold the hammer in the cocked position and to prevent the swing or throw thereof until released by the actuation of the trigger 21.

The sear is provided with anuppermost hammer engaging point 76 which engages a complemental and mating sear engaging notch in the hammer.

The hammer is held relative to the sear through the hammer engaging point 76 engaging the sear engaging notch'by virtue of the tensionrexertedby1a2sear spring -80 which. nests in an zapp'ropriatelyxspacediopening inL-Ithe slide block and exerts a rnormallyidownward orloutward pressure against the: sear.

A generally U shaped elon'gated 'connector 6 2 has spaced parallel upwardly extending: side walls connected by a lower horizontallydisposed bottom"' wall.

The connector is movable iz-forwardly itandsirearwardly between an upper and forwardtpos'itionitosa 'lower and .rearward position by means of itsirelationshipwith the trigger.

:As the connector is pulled 'rearwardly 'zupon rearward -movement of the trigger, the. searlismoved clockwise :and the sear spring is compressed :inwa'rdly into itstopening in the slide block whereby:the h'arnmeraengaging'gpoint f the sear is released from engagement "with .the sear engaging notch in the-hammer some .to I-permitlthexhammer to -fall against the :firing .pin and :thus -to f discharge the same on the upper: sidethereof and'ftorcingi it :out: of

the extractor means and subsequ'entlyzout ofutheireceiver.

The ejector a provides its ownrl'spring ltension an'd .its own attaching means, all as "will beiobservedfhereinafter. Further, it is. actuatediby ithe :br'ee'ch block so as to necessitate noslots or'olther openingstinztheclocking:lug

and/ or in the face ofithe' breechzblock.

The ejector is generallynurshapediin cross section from a singlet'pieceoft wire'zdoubled'iupon itself to include a pair ofspacedirparalleltsideiportions which to- .-.gether form what iwillrbefidentified as anoperating 'section 180. I

The forwardopposite endsofifthe parallel portions of the operating section 180 are connected together by a transverse connecting sec'tion 182. a

The rearward opposite rendslofithe parallel portion .of the operating section 180 are looped at 184.and have ifree outer ends "extending outwardly as earsl'l186 which are transverse to"the'longitu'dinalaxis, of the ejector.

The inner wall of the receiver is provided-with an ielongatedgrooveas at "188 forl the reception of the ejector..therewithinfsaid g'r'o'o've having angularly disposed f slots 190 on the opposite 'sides'thereof-"extendingtransversely therefr'o'm'and communicating therewith. The .slots 1% are 'adapted'"to receive"the--ears 186 of"the ejector 127.

The rear end of the breech block 99 is provided with an elongated slot 191 which slot communicates with the elongated groove 188 in the receiver for purposes subsequently to be referred to.

As the breech block moves rearwardly to the position shown in Fig. 17, the locking lug 122 strikes the looped portions 184 of the ejector 127 so that they pivot relative to the notched rear wall of the groove 188 and the ejector ears 186 pivot in their respective slots 190, resulting in the downward forcing of the operating section 180 thereof. A portion of said operating section 180 is offset and is of such configuration and design that it is brought to bear upon the shell or cartridge C.

Continued movement rearwardly of the breech block permits continued movement downwardly of the operating section 180 of the ejector so as to bring about the ejection of the shell from the gun, as shown in Fig. 18,

the ejector having forced the rim retainer downwardly against the spring of the rim retainer sufiiciently to enable the upper portion of the rim of the shell to be forced out of the rim cuts in the breech block.

The angle of the slots 190, shown in Figs. 19' and 20, in the receiver wall is such that that spring tension is provided by the ejector itself so as to retain the ejector in its normal or rest position shown in Fig. 18. The ejector 'ssorremainsmnless'aan'd vuntil forcibly heldrintanotheriposi- Ition, such as showmin Fig. -24, or the 'zac'tionis closed,

as'shownin Fig.:15.

With the -"ejector 'in this: normal or rest position; the lowermost planea'of the looped .portions -184 :iszdisposed withinor :at least flush with thetgroove .188tof thexre- -ceiver so that the breech. block" is free toimove forwardly upon its return stroke, without contacting :saidr'looped portions.

Continued forward-movement of the "breech block results in .its contact with the 1 operatingssection": of the ejector-seas to return the ejector to' its. compressed posithe projecting end' of the looped portionsof the ejector to clear the breechblock.

@It will The observed that the IOWEIT- POI'fiOII or the :.notched rear wall189 ot-the groove..188.andithvangular islotsin the receiver wallare "so arranged1'relative=:toteach -other that theears of thezeje'ctor are'retained iin:the re 'spective angular slots by the lower portions of the looped portions 184 of the-ejector bearing 'nponthelower portion of .thecnotched "rear wall.

'To. remove the ejector.from'thereceiver, thetrear cap is'removed and the'receivenis removed from itheistock whereby the breech blockmay be removed .fromithelrecciver. .The operatingsection of theflejector'islthen rotated Isufiiciently rearwardly (to :the approximate position shown in Fig. .24) as to permit the removal :or the ejector; from the receiver.

The ejectormay be assembled to the receiver by reversing the procedure' ofithezpreceding paragraph.

in Fig.18, the :breechrblock istshown in itsrearrnost *position -=and the rejector is ltshown at rest i as aforesaid. l If the .front end of the! ejector is manually moved rearwardly, it will strike theiffront end of-the breech blockor -:the.front:end of the slide .blockibut'will not rotate suificiently to the rear. asi-to permitits removal from the receiver.

"Although. particular embodiments of my inventionhave been described, it will be understood by those. "s'killedr in the art that the object oftthe invention may be attained :byuse of constructions ditferentliin certain re'spects from those disclosed without 'idepartingfrom ithe underlying principles of the. invention.

1 therefore desire by :the: following lclaims lto linclude within the scope or my invention. alli such-variations and modifications by which substantially the results of my invention may be obtained through the use of substantially the same or equivalent means. 7

Having thus described by invention, what I claim is:

1. In a firearm having a barrel and receiver and breech bolt reciprocable'in the receiver and a rim retainer mounted in the breech bolt and being engageable with the rim of a shell for supporting the shell relative to the barrel, the improvement in a self-retaining ejector comprising, an elongated spring-like wire member bent intermediate its ends in the form of a horizontally disposed U having rearward free extremities in the form of transversely extending ears pivotally receivable in complemental slots in the receiver, the U portion of said wire member defining a finger extending from the points of pivotal engagement with the receiver forwardly and inwardly toward the center of the receiver in position for yieldingly pressing downwardly onto the breech bolt as the breech bolt is in the forward position and for resilient engagement with the outer circumference of a shell be 'ing extracted from the barrel and being engaged by the rim retainer as the breech bolt is moved rearwardly thereby to yieldingly deflect the extracted shell from the receiver.

2. In the ejector as set forth in claim 1, the improve- 11 ment comprising, the finger of said spring wire member being bent sharply to define 'an abruptly inturned yieldable abutment extending inwardly away from the wall of the receiver and held upwardly by the topsurf'ace of the breech bolt as the breech bolt moves to its rearmost position and arranged'for engagement forwardly of the shell engaging-face of the breech bolt with the outer circumference of the shell for inducing the ejection of the fired shell from the receiver.

3. In the ejector as set forth in claim 1, the improvement comprising, the ears of said spring-like wire member being rotatable upon contact with the locking lug of the breech block as the breech block reciprocates rearwardly from its foremost position relative to the receiver for actuating the finger of said spring wire member downwardly.

4. In the ejector as set forth in claim 1, the improvement comprising, said spring-like wire member being cammable upwardly as the breech bolt reciprocates forwardly from its rearmost position relative to thereceiver.

5. In a firearm having a barrel and receiver and breech bolt reciprocable in the receiver and an ejector mounted in the receiver and being engageable with the circumference of the shell for ejecting the shell from the receiver, the improvement in a unitary cartridge rim retaining mechanism for supporting the lower side of the rim of a cartridge during the loading into and extraction from the barrel chamber comprising, an elongated springlike member having an intermediateportion extending lengthwise of the longitudinal axis of the breech bolt and having rearmost and foremost transversely extending bends connected to the intermediate portion at opposite ends thereof, the rearmost bend being receivable in a complemental opening in the breech block, the intermediate portion being receivable in a tapered slot in a side wall of the breech block permitting vertical flexing movement of the forward extremity of the intermediate portion relative to the breech block, and the foremost bend being disposed forwardly of the shell engaging face of the breech bolt" and having a configuration complementing the lowermost portion of the rim of the cartridge being supported thereby. 4

6. In a firearm having a barrel and receiver and breech bolt reciprocable in the receiver and an ejector mounted ference of the shell for ejecting the shell from the receiver', the improvement in a unitary cartridge rim retainin the receiver .and being engageable with the circumwise of the longitudinal axis of the breech bolt and rear- 'most and foremost transversely extending bends connected to the intermediate portion at opposite ends thereof, the rearmost bend being receivable'in a complemental opening in the breech block, the foremost bend being disposed forwardly' of the shell engaging face of the breech bolt and having a configuration complementing the lower side of the rim of the cartridge being supported.

7. In a 'firearmhaving a barrel and receiver and breech bolt reciprocable in the receiver and a shell extractor mounted in the breech bolt and being engageable with the rim of a chambered shell for extracting the shell from the barrel and an ejector mounted in the receiver and being. engageable with the circumference of the shell for ejecting the shell from the receiver, the improvement in a unitary cartridge rim retaining mechanism for supporting the lower side of the rim of a cartridge during the loading into and extraction from the barrel chamber and for backing the extractor during the extraction comprising, an elongated spring-like member having an intermediate portion extending lengthwiseof the longitudinal axis of the breech bolt and rearmost and foremost portions connected to the intermediate portion at opposite ends thereof, the rearmost portion being pivoted to the breech block, the intermediate portion being flexible vertically relative to the breech block, and the foremost portion being disposed forwardly of the shell engaging face of the breech bolt and having a configuration compleme'nting the lower side of the rim of the supported cartridge and facilitating movement thereof during the loading and extracting movements.

8. In the rim retaining mechanism as set forth in claim 7, with a firing pin being receivable within the breech bolt, the improvement comprising, the rearmost bend of said spring like member overlying the firing pin within the breech bolt for holding the firing pin in place.

References Cited in the fileof this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 659,928 Johnson Oct. 16, 1900 1,208,892 Barnes Dec. 19, 1916 1,544,566 Eickhoif July 7, 1925 1,571,975 Swebilius Feb. 9, 1926 1,702,063 Swebilius Feb. 12, 1929 1,828,330 Loomis Oct. 20,1931 1,834,410 Loomis Dec. 1, 1931 2,483,837 Nettles Oct. 4,.1949

Crittendon et a1. Feb. 12, 

